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Beckham, Ventura upbeat about club's chances

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Ventura, Beckham ready for 2014 1:40

Robin Ventura and Gordon Beckham discuss why they are optimistic for the White Sox heading into the 2014 season

By Scott Merkin
/
MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- It's often difficult for a team coming off a 99-loss season to feel optimistic about the ensuing campaign. But optimistic is the word that best describes the sentiment shown by Robin Ventura and Gordon Beckham on Wednesday as they spoke about the team following an anti-bullying program at McClellan Elementary School.

Beckham gives credit for that optimism to the moves made by general manager Rick Hahn since last July.

"Rick was going to make some moves, but you didn't know how they would affect the team. I really feel like he has done a great job of reshaping the team," Beckham said. "It's tough to see the guys go that we have lost, but I do believe it is for the better of this team and this franchise.

"I love them. I love them personally, not that my opinion matters at all. I think Adam Eaton is going to be good, I think that the other guy, [Matt] Davidson will be fine. We've obviously added Jose [Abreu]. There is a lot to be positive about and it's going to be fun to show up and see everybody compete and then go out and just try to win games."

Ventura could sense a buzz or just a different feel as part of the White Sox minicamp involving top prospects, newcomers and captain Paul Konerko last week at Camelback Ranch.

"You get excited by the newness of different guys coming in, what that does," Ventura said. "Kind of the culture and the vibe of the team is different because you have different guys.

"They are excited, I know that, and that's another thing that's good to look forward to. Going into Spring Training, you have guys that are eager and hungry to do something and they are talented, which is good."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.